On Baseball: Some Red Sox prospects ripening down on the farm

BOSTON – Mention the 2012 season to someone in the Red Sox organization and watch the grimace.

“That sour taste is in everybody’s mouth,” said Ben Crockett, Boston’s director of player development.

But Crockett stood in the temporarily domed Harvard Stadium on Friday morning, announcing that there is hope. As he spoke to a group of reporters, 11 of Boston’s brightest prospects were working out as part of a week-long program for players considered close to reaching the majors.

“That keeps us all positive,” Crockett said. “There’s definite a pretty good feeling — as good as there can be coming off the season we had at the major league level.

“Looking out on the field right now, we’ve got some guys who can make an impact in the very near future.”

The Boston farm system has not developed a lot of impact players in the recent past, third baseman Will Middlebrooks being the exception (and maybe Ryan Lavarnway).

Trades, injuries and unfulfilled promise had Boston’s farm system at the Triple-A and Double-A levels.

But younger impact players have moved up, and other prospects were acquired in trades. All of a sudden, Boston looks rich in prospects.

“Just as important, we seem to have guys who seem to get it,” Crockett said. “Not only are they good guys, but they have a feel to compete, a feel to put the effort in what they need to do to get to the next level and stay there.”

Trades have brought pitchers Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster and Steven Wright, and infielder Brock Holt (a .322 hitter last year with Altoona, who was called up and hit .292 in 24 games with the Pirates).

The top of the lists are shortstop Xander Bogaerts and center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. Crockett said the main thing is that both continue to get experience. Crockett also said Bogaerts continues to improve defensively — and he was pretty good already — which may deflect the speculation that he will switch positions.

Both are very likely to begin the season in Portland, but Triple-A Pawtucket will be beckoning if they get off to fast starts.

Outfielder Bryce Brentz will be in Pawtucket. He had a solid season in Portland last year and could be on the verge of a breakout.

Left-hander Drake Britton enters his second season on the 40-man roster. If he shows consistency, a call-up to Boston could be this year.

The other three prospects in last week’s program — outfielder Alex Hassan, and catchers Dan Butler and Christian Vazquez — are all new additions to the 40-man roster. Hassan is looking for a bounce-back season in Pawtucket this year. Butler will be in Pawtucket (possibly platooning with Lavarnway) while Vazquez will handle the Sea Dogs’ staff.

SEA DOGS MANAGER Kevin Boles is excited about the talent returning to his team. But he also knows of some gifted players tentatively scheduled for Portland this April. They would include touted pitching prospect Matt Barnes and athletic outfielder Brandon Jacobs.

“We’ll see how the names match the ability. I’m curious to see what the guys from Salem can do,” Boles said Friday before his appearance at the Sea Dogs Hot Stove Dinner.

“You get just a brief window on them in spring training, but that’s not much. But the way people talk about these guys within our organization, there is a lot to be excited about.”

ANTHONY RANAUDO arrived in Portland last year as a hyped prospect, but the right-hander struggled with injuries (strained groin, tired arm) and a 6.69 ERA over nine starts.

“Anthony Ranaudo just could never get healthy,” Boles said. “He was playing catch-up the whole year. We’re looking forward to seeing him healthy and performing the way he can.”

Barring any more injuries, Ranaudo should resume his “promising prospect” status.

“He’s healthy according to the reports I have,” Crockett said. “He’s going through his regular throwing program. He should be ready to go.”

PITCHER MIKE MACDONALD is looking for a job — preferably on a mound.

The nine-year pro out of the University of Maine and Camden was 3-2 for the Sea Dogs last year with a 4.62 ERA in 10 games (nine starts).

He has not signed with a team for this season.

“Nothing yet,” MacDonald said. “But I’m always keeping the body in shape, getting prepared, waiting for that phone call. That’s all I can do at this point.”

MacDonald, 31, began last season in independent ball before the Red Sox signed him last July. He’s not sure that an independent league is an option this year.

“Being 31, sometimes life responsibilities catch up to you,” said MacDonald, who was married last October and now lives in Saco. “At the same time, you’d like to give it one more run to see what could happen. I’ll cross that bridge when it comes. Obviously I’d love to get the spring training invite.”

FORMER SEA DOGS pitcher Tommy Hottovy is being bounced around this offseason.

Hottovy, 31, left the Red Sox as a free agent after 2011 and signed with the Royals. Kansas City traded him to Texas last November.

The Rangers waived Hottovy this month and Toronto claimed him on Thursday.

But on Friday, Toronto signed catcher Henry Blanco. To make room on its roster, Hottovy was designated for assignment. Hottovy could eventually stay with the Blue Jays on a minor league contract or get picked up by someone else.

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